Patient discussions

Patients should see their physician every:[47][65]​

  • 6-12 months for 5 years (ductal carcinoma in situ [DCIS]), then yearly, or

  • 6-12 months beginning at diagnosis (lobular carcinoma in situ [LCIS]) for 5 years.

Women taking tamoxifen should have an annual pelvic exam. Women who have undergone mastectomy can have immediate or delayed reconstruction.

Diet and lifestyle should be such as to maintain weight, without large fluctuations of weight gain or loss, unless the patient is overweight or underweight.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology has published guidance addressing exercise, diet, and weight management during cancer treatment, and a resource to inform nutrition and physical activity counseling after a cancer diagnosis.[132][133]

In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published recommendations on upper limb exercises to improve arm and shoulder mobility after surgery or radiation therapy for breast cancer.[135]​

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